Our Little Gymnast(s)

 Jason and I decided that since 1) this is Norah's last year at home (prior to kindergarten...we aren't literally kicking her out of the house next year), and 2)she spends 90% of her time in my hip pocket, it would be a healthy thing for her to have some instruction from some people other than us prior to taking the plunge into public school next fall.

We laid out all of the viable options on multiple occasions, in various settings and company, and her answer was "gymnastics", every time, so we signed up.

She is LOVING it so far, and her biggest goal going into her first class was "to learn how to do a cartwheel".  Much to her delight, they did work on them.  The instructor had a special mat with hand and footprints to help guide the kids through the motions.  I had to refrain from audibly laughing when I watched my "rule follower" daughter attempt to place both her hands and feet on the corresponding pictures, all at the same time her first time up.

 By her second try, however, she was starting to get the hang of it!

The trampoline, however, is another story.  Poor, sheltered child.  She looks like a wayward ping pong ball every time she jumps.  (Jason and I decided after her most recent class that she must think the object of the trampoline is to cover as much ground as possible because she is ALL over that trampoline!)












The trampoline is Eli's favorite part...or should I say, WAS Eli's favorite part, until Norah's gym moved to a new location and built a gate around the floor, to keep meandering brothers from playing on the equipment!  Don't fret, Eli...your time will come and I have no doubt that whether it's in the gym, on a court, or on a field, you sir,  will be a force to be reckoned with!

Sugar and Spice (and Reptiles are Nice)

 I walked into Norah's room one afternoon to discover all of her Disney Princesses sitting demurely in a row.  It made me giggle to see such order,  in a room, which more often than not, can be described as "lived in" at best.

I was quickly informed by the head-mistress that the princesses were attending "Manners Lessons", which would account for their orderly conduct.

 

 Lest my readers get the wrong impression that sweet Norah is all "sugar and spice", I had to post some photos that can attest to her inner-tomboy.  

Jason caught a tiny, baby frog one evening while watering the vines in the backyard (which, I'm pleased to report are still alive, and growing!) 

This was as close as she cared to get to holding it that night.  However, she caught him, and a couple of his  baby brothers, unassisted in the back yard a few nights later (Yes, I washed her hands when she came in.  No, she hasn't developed any warts)

But that was just the beginning.  About a month later, she caught THIS! And she even managed to keep from breaking it's tail.  Would I touch it?  Um....no. 

I thought the photo really captured her essence: a perfect balance of femininity and a sense of adventure.  (Please note the dainty grip her nail-polished, bracelet-adorned hand has on the ferocious reptile)

I suppose this balance was attained through the influences of a great daddy, and a sweet brother who love to embark on adventures together, and don't mind if the girls tag along.

Of course...the door swings both ways.  Eli has recently acquired some fantastic ballet partnering skills!  (I need to get this on video to post, because when they "dance ballet" together, it is hilarious.  Norah always requests "classical music", and Eli basically just follows her around with his hands lightly cupped around her waist, while Norah leads him into a series of pirouettes and leaps.)

Snug as a Cuddle Bear/Bug in a Rug

 This morning was one of the few times that my investigation of "too quiet" yielded a favorable return.  I walked into Eli's room (which, at the time was pitch dark, in spite of the fact that it was around 8am...gotta love those black out shades!) to discover N&E snuggling in the glider.

 I told them not to move, and dashed off to get my camera.  (Sibling rivalry has been one of the themes of the month, so I wanted to have photo documented proof that they aren't always at each other)

 When I asked N what they were doing, she said, "Well, Eli said he was cold.  And I said I was cold too, so we decided to snuggle.  He's my cuddle bug, and I'm his cuddle bear.  We're BEST buddies!"

Be still, my beating heart.  (And no, you may not see the photos that I didn't take of them fighting over the green car behind the chair just moments later...you'll just have to take my word for it that these were much sweeter!)